Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane has opened up about ex-boss Jurgen Klopp’s apology over missing Dortmund transfer while Federico Chiesa faces Italy criticism
11:23, 22 Nov 2025
(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool are set to return to the pitch on Saturday, defending their Premier League title against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The Reds were sent off into the two-week international break with a bitter taste in their mouths after a 3-0 drubbing by Manchester City.
Prior to that match, Liverpool had secured back-to-back victories against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, keeping clean sheets in both games as Slot’s squad seemed to regain their formidable form.
This double victory had sparked hope among fans that the Reds had bounced back from a poor streak that saw their Premier League title defence crumble after four consecutive losses. However, following the setback against City, Arne Slot’s team now sits eighth.
Amid revelations from a former Liverpool star about his relationship with ex-manager Jurgen Klopp and a current Liverpool favourite clashing with his national team coach, Daily Star Sport brings you the latest news from Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s apology
Jurgen Klopp apologised to a former Liverpool star after failing to sign him for Borussia Dortmund(Image: PA)
Former Liverpool ace Sadio Mane has disclosed that Jurgen Klopp apologised to him for not signing him during his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, reports the Mirror.
Mane transferred from Southampton to Liverpool in 2016 and had a successful eight-year spell at Anfield. Back in 2014, Klopp was managing Dortmund when he noticed Mane, who was then making waves at Red Bull Salzburg.
On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Mane revealed: “I met Klopp. He wanted to bring me to Dortmund, but it didn’t work out. Klopp called me. First of all, I say, ‘Coach…’ He said, ‘How are you? It was my fault, you didn’t come to Dortmund. Because, you know, I wanted to come there. I met him first. I was not happy.'”.
“And he apologised for this. And he said, ‘We will build the team no one wants to play against. And then, if we grow up together, you will play every game’.”
Federico Chiesa ‘problem’ emerges
Federico Chiesa hasn’t played for Italy since June 2024(Image: AP)
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has declared that Federico Chiesa ‘has a problem’ whilst pointing the finger at the Liverpool winger for his continued absence from the national team setup. The 28-year-old hasn’t pulled on an Italy shirt since their Euros last-16 defeat to Switzerland.
Although Chiesa endured limited playing time at Anfield during his maiden campaign last term, he’s been a regular fixture this season, contributing two goals and three assists.
“You know it well. You know Chiesa’s problem,” Gattuso told Sky Sports Italia. “You always ask me the same thing. I call Chiesa in every call-up; I always talk to him.
“The problem is not Gattuso or his staff; he has a problem, not us. You know it well. You always ask the same thing, and I always answer the same.”
